Addendum: This blog was written based on a copy of Europe 2020 that was leaked to the press on or around 24 February. Since the launch on 3 March, we have subsequently learned that two of the original nine flagship programmes are no longer included in the final version. They are the “Energy Action Plan” [...]

Check out this video interview with Andreas Schleicher, head of the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment. The Lisbon Council hosted Andreas for the launch of his new study on the huge cost of low performance in education. The study holds important lessons for Europe, especially as we reflect on the substance of the EU [...]

Here is an editorial of mine published in this week’s European Voice, a first reaction to plans of imposing sanctions on economic non-performance. In a nutshell, my argument is that countries that don’t grow and that have high unemployment don’t need punishment from Brussels, as they are already punishing themselves (see Spain with 19% unemployment [...]

With the reflection on EU 2020 in full swing, this e-brief weighs into the debate with an analysis about the political economy of indicators, as well as concrete recommendations on targets for the EU’s new economic blueprint. “Innovating Indicators: Choosing the Right Targets for EU 2020” is a unique reflection on how to measure and [...]

Today, the European Commission is launching a consultation on the EU 2020 strategy, the successor to the Lisbon Agenda. With Lisbon’s deadline in the year 2010 quickly approaching, there is now a unique opportunity to review and improve this vital policy programme and lay a strong foundation for the new EU 2020 strategy.
To be sure, [...]

This was the name of a policy seminar that the Lisbon Council hosted today. We were blessed to have with us Commissioner Kuneva, who never fails to impress, and Mario Monti, who is such a monumental figure in his own right.

I think the power and potential of consumer policy is vastly overlooked and [...]

With the Lisbon Treaty finally in the end game after the Irish Yes vote last week, and José Manuel Barroso embarking on a second term as European Commission president, it will be more important than ever before to position the EU’s executive arm as an agent of change, a driver of innovation, and a catalyst [...]

‘If it’s not open, it’s not the Internet’
Vint Cerf

Fascinating event this morning on cloud computing, hosted by Openforum europe. I mostly confirmed my attendance because I know too little about this fascinating phenomenon that is so profoundly changing how business is being done these days (by the way, it appeared like I was [...]

Finally, a vision. Finally, a return to policy. Finally, a credible attempt to solve the pressing issues of our times, from overcoming recession and fighting climate change, to strengthening employment and getting public finances back in order.
President Barroso’s “political guidelines for the next Commission,” published last Thursday, present a welcome step towards something resembling a [...]

I took part in a fascinating debate yesterday on the business panel on future EU innovation policy. Something has really changed around here because it’s the first time (since the Aho report on innovation) that I see truly innovative ideas emanating from one of these advisory bodies. To be sure, if this is put into [...]